Recent data from the Belgian government reveals that over 70% of businesses in Belgium have violated the ban on selling cigarettes to minors (under 18) during recent spot operations, the Bulletin reported on November 18.
In response to these findings, the government is considering harsher measures, including the closure of shops found in violation.
Since November 2019, Belgium has raised the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 16 to 18. However, many retailers still fail to ask young buyers for identification.
Last year, many retailers were found violating the law, and this year's numbers remain equally concerning. The data, requested by CD&V Member of Parliament Els van Hoof through a written parliamentary question, was provided by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit).
"In the pursuit of a smoke-free generation, this legislation must be effectively enforced, so that smoking becomes less accessible and attractive to minors, Frank Vandenbroucke said.
The inspections involved minors, often students, acting as "mystery shoppers" to test compliance by attempting to purchase products such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine pouches.
Of the 1,100 checks conducted, sellers violated the ban in 782 cases, accounting for 71%, meaning over two-thirds of retailers continue to sell tobacco products to minors.
Violation rates varied across regions. In Brussels, 53.5% of traders were caught selling to under-18s, though fewer inspections were conducted there. In Flanders, 68% of traders failed compliance in 469 checks, while in Wallonia, 76.5% failed in over 226 checks.
Van Hoof urged Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke to continue the mystery shopper system, to which his cabinet replied it was "the obvious thing to do".
